UFC: Nigerian Israel Adesanya suffers first career defeat

Nigeria-born Israel Adesanya dream of becoming a double champion in the UFC was dashed early Sunday Morning by Opponent Jan Blachowicz.

Blachowicz kicked Adesanya by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-45, 49-45) to retain his light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 259. 

Meanwhile, Adesanya, remains unbeaten at UFC middleweight and was attempting to become just the fifth fighter in UFC history to hold two titles concurrently before Blachowicz defeat.

This loss is Adesanya’s first in his professional MMA career and brings his record to 20-1. 

Blachowicz had a 107-78 edge in significant strikes, outlanding Adesanya in every round, including 28-12 in the fifth. 

Two judges scored the final round 10-8 for Blachowicz. Blachowicz (28-8) has won five in a row. 

He claimed the UFC light heavyweight title in beating Dominick Reyes by second-round TKO at UFC 253 in September.  

Adesanya (20-1), a former champion kickboxer, won his first nine fights in the UFC before Saturday.

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